Tag Archives: family
365 Project Day 351: Getting the Tree
Posted on 20. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
His Favorite
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 3.5 aperture, 1/320 shutter, 100 ISO
One of my favorite traditions that we have as a family at Christmas is getting the tree together every year. It hasn’t always been super fun. I remember a lot of cold rainy nights in Georgia looking for a tree with little ones and getting frustrated with the prices. Yes, it has been stressful at times, but traditions are worth fighting for. This year we did not get our tree until today, six days before Christmas. Johnny refused to get the tree without his sisters here. Chris and I understood, so we waited.
When we arrived at the tree farm, the man there told us all the trees were 25$ because it was so late in the season. We were so excited. Every year now, when we get the the farm, we all go to a tree we like and then the whole family comes over and votes on that tree. We always try to give the pros and cons of each one and usually we favor the one to which someone is most attached. Since we had the whole farm to choose from without the worry of cost, we had a little more fun today. We ended up bringing home “Goliath” as Johnny affectionately named it, who was a 120$ tree for 25$. This is the biggest tree we have ever gotten. It is over 12 feet tall and fills the space in our great room so nicely. Annie and Johnny and I had to rearrange the entire room around it while Chris and Katie were at the church rehearsing for the Christmas Eve service.
What is it about a Christmas tree that is so soothing and cheerful at the same time? I love this tree. We all do. I had to climb a ladder and still stand on my tippy toes to string the lights. As soon as we had it up and partially decorated, everyone gathered in the room savoring its scent and sparkle.
I know these traditions will have to change over the years, but I am grateful for one more Christmas with everyone here.
Numbers 6:24-6 “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace”.
Johnny's Choice
What about this One?
Santa Baby Wants this One
Well Chosen
Sparkle and Shine
View through the Steps
Banister Bokeh
Christmas Cheer
Shining Star
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365 Project Day 350: Bringing a Birdie Home
Posted on 19. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Together Again
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.2 aperture, 1/125 shutter speed, 640 ISO
We decided to meet Annie at the airport in style tonight. We knew she would have been traveling for almost 24 hours and might need something a little special to cheer her. The kids and I shopped at Goodwill today for these lovely outfits on the way home from church. It really was fun. I know some wonder why my world dims a bit when we are not all together. This is one of the reasons why. My family is fun and full of life. My kids are very close and supportive of one another and I am so grateful. We are not perfect, but we do love one another.
I wish I had gotten shots of Annie’s face when she saw us tonight. Her plane came in early and she was waiting at baggage claim alone. When we saw her we began to shout her name across the airport and run wildly toward her. Johnny literally jumped over the wall of phones to get to her. She seemed a bit stunned by our actions and our apparel. She was still a bit far away but I could tell she was laughing. I think it was just what she needed. We definitely made a special memory (and an impression on other people at the airport). Good times. I did have Katie take a few of me with Annie just to prove that I got dressed up too.
Chris looked like something out of a Charles Dickens book. I love that man. He worked all day leading worship for four church services and then came to the airport at 10:30 at night dressed up like a Christmas geek. I will keep him. He is so patient and loving.
Here are a few more of our geeky Christmas welcome for our Annie-bird. I cannot begin to wrap my heart around the fact that all my birdies are in the nest tonight. I know it is temporary. I plan to soak in every moment.
Happy tonight.
Proverbs 17:22 ~”A joyful heart is good medicine”.
The Crew
Love these People
Safe Place
Christmas Nerds
Happy with Daddy
Keeping a Watch Over the Luggage
These Bags are Secure
Santa Earrings
Sunshine in my Arms
Let's Go Home
Snazzy Daddy
So Much to Tell
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365 Project Day 345: The Joy of Family
Posted on 14. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Family Time
Canon 5D Mark ll,100 2.8 macro, 4.0 aperture, 1/50th shutter speed, 800 ISO, 500EX ll flash off camera bouncing off ceiling at 1/2 power
It was pure joy spending time with Brandon and Kimmie McCormick’s family tonight. You may remember sweet Ever’s post that I did in October. She was born 8 weeks early, carried here by the prayers of friends and family. She is precious and doing so well. A miracle baby. Her sister Storie is just as lovely and so very sweet. I got lots of Storie hugs and butterfly kisses tonight as she brought out the menagerie of stuffed animals she has in her room, each with a name and a history. They are a beautiful and fun family. She even stopped to pray for one of them who has a boo-boo on his leg. So much love in this little family. I am grateful for my time with them.
Here are a few more images of the wonderful McCormick family. Blessings on this day 345 of my 365 project. (20 days to go!)
Psalm 126:2,3 ~”Then we laughed with our mouths, and we sang with our tongues. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad.” New Living Translation
Giggles
Mommy Love
Daddy Hugs
Sweet Sisters
Storie, Full of Life
Looking up at the Light
See Storie Fly
Silly Daddy
Sweet Expressions
Pile of Joy
Precious
Cherished
Happy Family
Classic Christmas
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365 Project Day 342: Siblings
Posted on 11. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Sweet Siblings
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 3.5 aperture, 1/80 shutter speed, 400 ISO
I love these kids. I have been photographing my friend Kelly’s boys since her youngest son Ethan was a baby. Every year we have endeavored to gather this group of boys and pray I could get at least one shot before they tumbled off wrestling or climbed the nearest tree. We laugh that it has always been an adventure getting their annual Christmas photo done. I love them dearly. They are brilliant and funny, and so very sweet.
This year, baby Emily came into the group. You may remember her from her blog that she helped out with over the summer when she came over to swim in our pool. She has so much personality, this little baby girl. If the boys were a rock band before, now they have their lead singer. She was born for this starring role in the life of the Anderson family. Everyone is all about Emily. It is easy to see why.
If you haven’t seen Emily’s blog from the summer, you simply must take a peek at it here.
Happy Sunday. Get some rest.
Raspberry Beret
Sweet Brother
Loved
Star
Silly
Everyone Make Your Funny Face
Beautiful
Miss Personality
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365 Project Day 327: Favorite Moment of the Day
Posted on 25. Nov, 2011 by maryanne.
Happy Meeting
Canon 5D Mark ll, 70-200 2.8L, 180mm focal length, 4.0 aperture, 1/100 shutter, 160 ISO
While walking my older horse down to the barn today, I glanced back to find Katie standing in perfect sunshine bringing a bag of carrots to our other two horses. As soon as I got him back into the pasture I hurried to get my camera. A daughter with carrots in hand in her bright green sweatshirt fresh from England, and two happy horses in golden light. I wanted to freeze that moment. My camera helps me to do that. Amazing, wonderful tool that it is. Before long, Cowboy and Chris joined the scene and I was grinning and giggling. These are the magic moments when everything slows and I find myself breathing all the way in and then out again. Our lives are strung endlessly, intricately with these pearls, these gems. How many do I miss because I am worrying about getting things done?
Too many. But not this one. This one is captured, cherished and framed to share with you here today. My pockets are jingling with the treasures I have stored up this year during this project.
Beautiful blessed moments to savor and share. Click. What was your favorite moment today? You don’t to have just one.
Acts 17:24,25 ~”The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”
Sharing Sweetness
"Cowboy Love Carrots Too"
Golden Light
Sneaking Up
Kisses from Gunsmoke
Happy Laughter
Menagerie Mine
Collegiate Representation
Wishing you all happy moments to capture and keep today,
Mary Anne
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365 Project Day 326: Thankful
Posted on 25. Nov, 2011 by maryanne.
- Home
Canon 5D Mark ll 50 1.2L, 3.5 aperture, 1/80 shutter, 100 ISO
I just want to post a list (in picture form) of a few of the things I am grateful for today, on Thanksgiving day.
The Hands of my Children
A Faithful and Handsome Husband
My Sister's Sweet Potato Casserole
Great-Nephews with Chunky Cheeks
Nephews that Come from Far Away
This Smile that Opens my Heart
Family that Sings Together
My Sweet Mama
Mama's Hands on the Piano
Friendship that is Rich and Deep
My Katie who Came Home
Two of My Three Birdies
Love that Shines All Around
And my Annie-Bird 4,150 Miles Away...
We missed you, Annie! Looking forward to your return.
And so much more. My life is rich for the gifts the Father has showered on my life.
Grateful Tonight.
Ephesians 5:19,20 ~”Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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365 Project Day 313: For the Love of Sam
Posted on 10. Nov, 2011 by maryanne.
Home
Canon 5D Mark ll, 70-200 2.8L, 120mm focal length, 3.5 aperture, 1/160 shutter, 400 ISO
This Chinese baby boy will melt your heart. His name is Sam, or Samuel, which means “God has heard”. Erin and Andy let his name resonate to the bottom of their spirits every time they call him or hear it spoken. God did hear their cry for a child to love. They found him after much prayer and longing through Lifeline Children’s Services, a Christian adoption agency committed to placing children who need homes with loving families. Andy and Erin are that and so much more. They cannot take their eyes or hearts away from their treasure, their Samuel. They know that God has heard not only their cries, but the cries of a baby boy who needed a family of his own.
Happy
Three Make a Family
This is a treasured, happy little boy. He is deeply loved and cherished by his parents. You can hear it in his laughter. And beautiful, so beautiful, this boy. How could they not love him? His eyes sparkle when his daddy throws him in the air or when his mommy sneaks kisses from his cherubic skin. He is adored, grafted into a new heritage, a home woven and washed in the love of Christ. Sam is a blessed boy.
Isn’t this our story too? It is the Great Story. The one that runs through every amazing story we have ever heard. A great and noble King risks everything and fights a wicked nemesis to rescue those He loves. We are taken in, rescued from death, and given a new name. It is the stuff fairy-tales are made of. Rescued from hopelessness, we become the sons and daughters of a great King. We are brought in, given the finest robes, and a feast is set before us. We are honored, treasured, fought-for, loved. We are given a new bloodline, a royal heritage, and an eternal home that no one can take away from us.
Sam’s story is our story and it is beautiful.
Blessings to you, happy happy boy. You are esteemed and loved and we are glad.
Galations 4:6-7 ~”But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.”
Treasured
Wrapped in Love
Lifted
Embraced
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365 Project Day 300: The Men in my Life
Posted on 28. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Favorites
Canon 5D Mark ll, 70-200 2.8L, 150 mm focal length, 8.0 aperture, 1/160 shutter, 100 ISO. Alien B800 at 1/8 power in 50 inch soft box to camera left and Alien B800 at 1/16 power in 60 inch shoot through umbrella to camera right.
Just look at them. Both so handsome. So different and so alike.
I asked them if they would let me photograph them tonight for my project and they both kindly agreed. (Even thought it was midnight.) They are the constants in my life right now. I wanted a portrait to remind me of this season, with the girls both gone away to school, and Johnny here with us for just a little while longer. I know the time is short and I want to remember and treasure it. My son is becoming a man right in front of me.
Every time I asked them to change positions, they would do it at the same time and in the same manner. I had to laugh. There it was, right in front of me. Greatness being passed on to another generation. I am so grateful I can say that I hope Johnny will be like his daddy. I can see both our dads in there too. Quite the magic formula I would say. Looks, talent, loyalty, and best of all, a heart for God on both sides.
Yes, how I love the men in my life. All of them.
Psalm 23:6 ~”Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Naturals
So Much Alike
Blue Steel
Love These Two
My Men
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365 Project Day 291: Built on Love
Posted on 19. Oct, 2011 by maryanne.
Happy Beginnings
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.2 aperture, 1/160 shutter, 640 ISO
This is his beginning place, my husband’s home. He lived on the same street all of his years growing up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I stopped here for the night while on my way to visit my home in Virginia. The house resonates with the peace that my husband embodies with his life. He grew up in a house of love.
Sweet Face
Bow Ties were in Fashion
The first time he brought me here, I was 20 and he was 24. We were dancing around the edges of falling in love. I got lost in those dreamy eyes of his. We walked late at night on the road in front of his house, the traffic light glistening on the rainy pavement, just like it did tonight. I had to walk out there and take a photo tonight, barefoot in the rain, just like I was then. I can’t believe it has been 25 years since the warmth of that road moved up through our toes and into our hearts.
Rainy, Romantic Road
This is what he looked like when I met him. Any girl would have lost her heart to this handsome young musician. The band was called Chris o’ Mick and consisted of he and my brother-in-law, but that’s another blog. Still have some albums if anyone wants vintage Chris o’ Mick.
Working on the Album
My favorite part of this trip is that Katie is staying here now, in this house of love, while she attends graduate school at Wake Forest University. She is now reaping the benefits of love that spreads across generations. Chris’ parents are generous and kind people. I pretty much hit the jackpot when it comes to in-laws. They have always treated me as one of their own, right from the start, and Katie is now receiving the royal treatment as well. She has made her own place here, and it is good to see that in person. It helps my heart to rest a bit.
K for Katie Girl
Study Space
It is so good to be here in the home of my husband. There are so many memories here, and now Katie is making new ones to pass onto her future family.
Tomorrow I head to my home.:)
Psalm 126:1-3 ~” When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ’The LORD has done great things for them.’ The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
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365 Project Day 271: Sweetly Beautiful
Posted on 29. Sep, 2011 by maryanne.
Miracle
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 9.0 aperture, 1/800 shutter, 100 ISO
(In these images are Heather and Ben Scranton, and their daughter, Amaya, who is still resting in her mommy’s womb.)
And this is the miracle, that one could be made from the love of two. It is God’s beautiful design, His amazing gift to us.
A family is born.
Through the Window
“Not only me, not only you, but with the help of our Father, one made from two.” ~ an excerpt from a poem I wrote about my Katie when I knew she was to be ours.
Blessings to you, Scranton family.
Isaiah 40:11 ~ “ He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
Sweetness
Happy
Beautiful Heather
